Jain templesMain article: Palitana templesThe Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community, and is the world's largest Temple Complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva). On the top the Shatrunjai Hill is a cluster of Jain temples, built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century onwards. The temples are managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust of the Kasturbai Lalbhai group. From the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut to facilitate climbing.
The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone. To an observer, these appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Created by master craftsmen, the most important temple is that of the first teerthankara, Shri Adishwar. It has ornate architectural motifs, though in its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh. Other notable temples are those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja. Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, probably built the earliest temple. The temple has a fabulous collection of jewels, and these can be seen with special permission. The temples date from 11th to the 20th century.
On one special day (Fagun Sud 13), which usually falls in February/March of every year (According to Hindu Calender, it is 13th Day of Sud Cycle in the month of Falgun) there is a huge crowd of thousands of people visiting its place as it is said that on this particular day, millions of Jain followers attained salvation from this Hill. Also the pilgrim on that day is almost 3 times as compared to any other day which is also called as "6 Gaon" which is approximately 15-18 Kilometers of walk and climbing of Hilly terrain.
Facts about Palitana : Shetrunjay Temples: Steps: 3364 Height: 2000 ft; 7.5 miles Pratima (Idols): 27007 Jinmandir: 3507
A recently concluded count reveals that there are a total of more than 27,000 idols of jain god on this mountain alone.
Belief
Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime, because of its sanctity. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those unable or unaccustomed to the strain, sling-chairs are available at a bargain. The code for the climbers is stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain faith. Food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way. The descent must begin before it is evening, for no soul can remain atop the sacred mountain during the night. Such is the mystique of Palitana, the summit of Shatrunjaya. While atop one can also visit a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. The childless women seek the Pir's blessings to be blessed with children. They offer miniature cradles to the Pir and the shrine is strewn with such cradles.
]DemographicsAs of 2010 India census, Palitana had a population of 1,00,000. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Palitana has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 71%, and female literacy is 57%. In Palitana, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.
TransportationBy Air
The nearest airport at Bhavnagar lies at a distance of 51 kilometres from Palitana, but the most convenient airport is Ahmedabad as it is an international airport and has regular flights to many important cities.
By Rail
Palitana has a small railway station that is connected to Songadh and Bhavanagar.Most of the trains stop at Sihor, which is connected to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
By Road
There are hourly buses for Bhavnagar from Palitana. Regular buses are also available for Ahmedabad, Talaja, Una, and Diu. The total journey time to Una or Diu is around 6 hours as the roads are not in a good condition. Taxis are also available on hire for Palitana from Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad or Vadodra.The bus stand is situated 800 meters away from the Palitana railway station.
The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone. To an observer, these appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Created by master craftsmen, the most important temple is that of the first teerthankara, Shri Adishwar. It has ornate architectural motifs, though in its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh. Other notable temples are those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja. Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, probably built the earliest temple. The temple has a fabulous collection of jewels, and these can be seen with special permission. The temples date from 11th to the 20th century.
On one special day (Fagun Sud 13), which usually falls in February/March of every year (According to Hindu Calender, it is 13th Day of Sud Cycle in the month of Falgun) there is a huge crowd of thousands of people visiting its place as it is said that on this particular day, millions of Jain followers attained salvation from this Hill. Also the pilgrim on that day is almost 3 times as compared to any other day which is also called as "6 Gaon" which is approximately 15-18 Kilometers of walk and climbing of Hilly terrain.
Facts about Palitana : Shetrunjay Temples: Steps: 3364 Height: 2000 ft; 7.5 miles Pratima (Idols): 27007 Jinmandir: 3507
A recently concluded count reveals that there are a total of more than 27,000 idols of jain god on this mountain alone.
Belief
Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime, because of its sanctity. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those unable or unaccustomed to the strain, sling-chairs are available at a bargain. The code for the climbers is stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain faith. Food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way. The descent must begin before it is evening, for no soul can remain atop the sacred mountain during the night. Such is the mystique of Palitana, the summit of Shatrunjaya. While atop one can also visit a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. The childless women seek the Pir's blessings to be blessed with children. They offer miniature cradles to the Pir and the shrine is strewn with such cradles.
]DemographicsAs of 2010 India census, Palitana had a population of 1,00,000. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Palitana has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 71%, and female literacy is 57%. In Palitana, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.
TransportationBy Air
The nearest airport at Bhavnagar lies at a distance of 51 kilometres from Palitana, but the most convenient airport is Ahmedabad as it is an international airport and has regular flights to many important cities.
By Rail
Palitana has a small railway station that is connected to Songadh and Bhavanagar.Most of the trains stop at Sihor, which is connected to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
By Road
There are hourly buses for Bhavnagar from Palitana. Regular buses are also available for Ahmedabad, Talaja, Una, and Diu. The total journey time to Una or Diu is around 6 hours as the roads are not in a good condition. Taxis are also available on hire for Palitana from Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad or Vadodra.The bus stand is situated 800 meters away from the Palitana railway station.